I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God’s people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love. Ephesians 3:17-18 (TEV)

“The better we understand the nature and ways of God, the more we love him.”

Perspective causes us to love God more. The better we understand the nature and ways of God, the more we love him. Paul prayed “that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God’s people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love.” (Ephesians 3:17-18 TEV)

Perspective helps us resist temptation. When we look at a situation from God’s viewpoint, we realize the long-term consequences of sin are greater than any short-term pleasure sin might provide. Without perspective we follow our own natural inclinations: “You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead.” (Proverbs 14:12 CEV)

Perspective helps us handle trials. When we have God’s perspective on life we realize that “… in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” (Romans 8:28) and that “the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:3).

Perspective was one of the reasons Jesus was able to endure the cross (Hebrews 12:2). He looked past the pain to the joy that was set before him.

Thank you Julia for forwarding from Rick Warren’s Daily Hope

* We will be writing about what inspires us from each consecutive chapter of Warren’s Purpose Driven Life. If you read along with us, please share your inspirations. There’s no need to catch up, just jump right in.

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About blueprintforliving

A born & bred New Yorker living on the other side of the Atlantic since '92. Once you live in a much smaller country you realise everything is precious,take nothing for granted,and you gain a global view which you would never have if you had stayed in the US.